Form 1: Kindergarten &

1st Grade

Cultivating Curiosity in the Early Years

At Lorien Wood, our youngest students in Kindergarten and First Grade flourish in a nurturing environment that kindles their curiosity and celebrates the joy of discovery. Through a rich, integral curriculum rooted in classical texts, hands-on learning, and vibrant storytelling, children in The Shire and Form 1 begin their journey of intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth.

Our curriculum weaves together interactive learning experiences across subjects, building a strong foundation in reading, math, science, social studies, art, music, and more. Each unit immerses students in a tapestry of knowledge, where classical stories, Bible passages, and masterpieces of art serve as touchpoints for exploration. As they engage in reenactments, scientific observations, imaginative play in the woods, and group activities, children strengthen their social and emotional skills while discovering their unique place in God’s world.


Integral Learning Through Play, Growth, and Community

In Form 1, students grow in independence, self-confidence, and teamwork through a structured blend of large groups, small groups, and one-on-one interactions. Each activity is designed to build essential skills in literacy, mathematics, motor development, and emotional growth. 

Your involvement and enthusiasm play an important role in making this a memorable time for your child. Together, we create an environment where children are free to discover, play, and grow, building a foundation of joy and confidence as they begin their educational journey.

 

kids exploring a cathedral
 

Form 1 concepts rotate on a two-year cycle:

YEAR ONE – THIS IS MY FATHER’S WORLD
Based on the hymn, “This is My Father's World," this year's units are as follows:

 •  My Father’s World: Creation
 •  My Listening Ears: Created in God’s Image
 •  All Nature Sings: Patterns and Classification
 •  The Music of the Spheres: Light and Darkness
 •  I Rest Me: Rhythms of Rest
 •  Of Rocks and Trees: Growing and Changing
 •  Of Skies and Seas: Creative and Caring


YEAR TWO – REAL AND PRETEND
This year is composed of the following units:

 •  Dinosaurs and Dragons: Digging for Truth
 •  Countries and Kingdoms: Discovering my Place
 •  The Christ and Christmas: Jesus is the Reason
 •  Citizens and Character: Discovering my Role
 •  Truth and Tales: The Greatest Story of All
 •  Angels and Fairies: Faith in the Unseen

Explore Form 1 Literature

Field Trips & Hands-On Learning Experiences

Each year students participate in 8-10 integral learning experiences throughout the year. Here is a sampling of Form 1 experiences: 

Wolftrap National Park:

At Wolftrap National Park, students embark on a nature hike as part of their tree study. Guided by our teachers, they learn to identify the components of a tree and delve into the process of photosynthesis. Through hands-on exploration, students discover the essential elements necessary for a tree's growth, including water, sunlight, air, soil, and nutrients.

National Botanical Gardens:

Students cherish visiting the National Botanic Gardens in Washington, DC, where they immerse themselves in the festive spirit of Christmas. After learning about the legend of the poinsettia, they marvel at Christmas trains, decorations, and the annual poinsettia display. As part of their unit on Christmas traditions, they enjoy a picnic lunch in front of the majestic Christmas tree near the US Capitol building.

Stone Soup: 

As part of their reading of "Stone Soup," students enjoy learning how to cook stone soup over an open fire. In the folk story, hungry strangers convince a town to share their ingredients to make the soup. Their contribution is nothing more than a stone. Students love hearing the story and sharing their own ingredients to make the soup.

Build a Town:

In our study of community helpers, students build their own model of a town complete with cardboard businesses, community helpers, and roads! They learn about the interrelated elements of a town and that God designed to work together and be in community with one another. 

 
Learn more about our Integral Curriculum
 

The Early Readers Book List

At Lorien Wood, we know that establishing a love of reading begins in the early years of a child's life. Our teachers have created a curated list of books to help your family build a vibrant reading culture at home. 

Explore the List
Early Readers (3-7 yrs old)